Loch Ness

View of Loch Ness from Fort Augustus in the morning. The water was calm and there was no one around — it was only 7 a.m.

Loch Ness is one of the best-known Scottish lakes, located north of the city of Inverness in the heart of Scotland. Its length is about 37 km, and its width reaches up to 2.5 km. The lake has a maximum depth of 230 metres, making it the second-deepest lake in the United Kingdom.

Loch Ness is famous for the legend of Nessie, a mythical creature resembling a prehistoric dinosaur that is said to live in the lake's waters. Legends about Nessie date back to the 6th century, but they became popular in the 20th century thanks to various eyewitness reports from people who claim to have seen the mysterious figure in the lake.

Aside from the Nessie legend, Loch Ness is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful scenery and rich history. Along the shores of the lake you can find many picturesque villages and towns, such as Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit, which offer numerous tourist attractions like museums, souvenir shops, restaurants, and pubs.

In the Loch Ness area you can also visit castle ruins, such as Urquhart Castle, which is situated on the shore of the lake and offers beautiful views of the surroundings. In nearby Inverness there are numerous museums, shops and restaurants, as well as many other tourist attractions, such as the cathedral, the castle, and the National Museum of Scotland.

Loch Ness is also popular with visitors who enjoy active recreation. Around the lake you can take part in various water sports, such as kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing, as well as fishing and cycling.